WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a new National League of Cities (NLC) report, On the Frontlines of Today’s Cities: Civil Discourse, Engagement & Trust Building, building on its 2022 survey, NLC has compiled a collection of best practices to improve civil discourse in America’s cities, towns and villages starting in our local communities.
In 2022, NLC’s research found that 87 percent of surveyed local officials noticed an increase in levels of harassment, threats and violence during their time in office. Our 2023 survey found that 89 percent are still experiencing harassment on social media and at public meetings.
Driven by increasing polarization, the spread of mis- and disinformation and the growing influence and power of social media, local officials face everything from racist, homophobic attacks online to city council meetings that devolve into screaming matches.
In this report, NLC has collected on-the-ground examples and practices in cities that focus on:
- Respectful and courteous (civil) behavior by public officials, and by extension the city residents to whom they are accountable
- Transparency in process and completeness in communications relating to government decision-making toward the goal of diminishing misinformation and misunderstandings
- Genuine, open, inclusive and participatory public engagement and public decision- making using the most diverse and state-of-the-art tools available.
“Local governments are the model of participatory governing and consistently found to be the most trusted level of government,” said National League of Cities CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “Local leaders are rising to the challenge to rebuild trust, reengage their community and model healthy discourse by bringing different communities and constituencies together in a productive way. The Frontlines report proves that America’s communities are strong and proven strategies exist to ensure we remain vibrant and inclusive cities, towns and villages.”
With information collected through in-person interviews, focus groups and targeted surveys, NLC has put together a toolkit for any local leader ready to address incivility with proven practices that can be adapted or simply replicated. Download the report.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.